Elections

Richland County, Louisiana, has approximately 13,000 registered voters. The parish conducts primary, general, and runoff elections, with recent turnout averaging 52%. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans won 72% of the local vote, while Democrats received 27%. There are 18 polling locations, overseen by the Richland Parish Clerk of Court and Board of Election Supervisors. Local issues include school funding and infrastructure. Major parties—Republican and Democrat—are active, with around 55% registered Democrat, 33% Republican, and 12% other/independent. Voter registration and absentee voting are available at the Registrar of Voters’ Office in Rayville.

Education, Employment and Housing

Richland County, LA, serves students through 14 public schools, including Richland Parish High School. About 79% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools generally score 5/10 on GreatSchools ratings. The district offers special education and career/technical programs. School safety measures include resource officers and anti-bullying initiatives. Adult education opportunities are available through local community centers, supporting GED completion and workforce development.

Richland County, LA, has an employment rate of approximately 52.6%. The leading employment sectors are health care and social assistance (22.5%), educational services (15.4%), and retail trade (13.2%). Major occupation types include office & administrative support (13.7%) and education/training/library roles (12.6%). On average, commuters travel about 23.4 minutes to work, with the majority (86.7%) driving alone. Most residents work locally within the parish, while a small percentage commute to neighboring parishes for employment.

Richland County, LA has a homeownership rate of approximately 62%, with median home values around $110,000 and median gross rents near $670 per month. The housing market remains stable, with modest appreciation observed in recent years. Common housing types include single-family homes and mobile homes, primarily in small towns like Rayville and Delhi and rural neighborhoods. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.5% of home value, translating to a typical annual tax of about $550. Both affordable purchase and rental options are available, making Richland County accessible to a range of residents.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Richland County, Louisiana, had a population of 20,043. The median age is about 38 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 59% White, 38% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% other races or multiracial. The population has declined slightly since 2010, reflecting broader trends in rural Louisiana.

County Crime & Safety

Richland County, LA, has a crime rate higher than the state average, with violent crime at 7.2 incidents per 1,000 residents and property crime at 33.7 per 1,000, according to recent FBI data. While the sheriff’s office actively reports and addresses crime, annual reports show overall crime slightly declined by 2% since 2022. Despite ongoing community safety initiatives, theft and burglary remain prevalent. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs and report suspicious activities to law enforcement for prompt action.